aSPECTACULAR countryside near York will be given the same fierce protection from development as national parks, the Government has pledged.

The Howardian Hills are among 37 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) to receive Government backing, which will bring them under the same legislation as national parks.

The Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, said the Government will create the extra protection for such areas by bringing forward amendments to the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill in the House of Lords.

These amendments will:

Strengthen the conservation and management of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in partnership with local authorities

Provide an option to create AONB conservation boards when there is large-scale local support

Introduce a management plan for each AONB.

The Government has already indicated its support for AONBs by means of a three-fold increase in funding over three years from £2.1 million in 1998/99 to £5.9 million this year.

The announcement of increased protection for the Howardian Hills was welcomed by Steve Quartermain, head of planning and environmental services with Hambleton District Council.

He said: "We have always had policies in the local plan which recognise these areas are special and different.

"We have always adopted a strategy towards these areas which is almost akin to national parks."

Mr Meacher said: "We want AONBs to be recognised for their national importance and the enjoyment they provide for many visitors.

"We must also ensure the full involvement of local people, those who live or work in the areas or manage the land.

"These measures will improve the conservation and management of AONBs, boosting their role as part of our living countryside."